Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is everything you love about cinnamon rolls, but in a cake form that’s easy to make and serves more people. The cake itself is light and fluffy, with a rich, gooey cinnamon swirl throughout. Topped with a sweet glaze, it’s indulgent and comforting. Plus, it doesn’t require all the time and effort of making traditional cinnamon rolls, so you can enjoy the flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for the cinnamon swirl)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
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Add the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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In a separate bowl, combine the cinnamon and brown sugar.
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Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
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Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and gently spread it out to cover.
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Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cake batter, creating a marbled effect.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk until smooth.
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Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake and serve!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12-16
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
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Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
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Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans can be added to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
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Frosting option: Instead of the glaze, you can top the cake with cream cheese frosting for a richer taste.
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Spiced variations: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to the cinnamon mixture for a deeper, spicier flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
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Reheating: To reheat, microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make this cake a day before serving. Just store it in an airtight container and warm it up before serving.
Can I freeze the Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dry?
Be sure not to overbake the cake. Check it with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark to ensure it’s done but not overbaked.
Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted, but the texture might be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter result.
Can I make this with a gluten-free flour blend?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, but make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the texture.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
What size pan should I use for this cake?
A 9×13-inch baking pan works best for this recipe, but you can also use an 8×8-inch pan for a thicker cake.
Can I add more cinnamon to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking. You can even add a touch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This cake can be served warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat, or it can be enjoyed as an indulgent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I use a store-bought glaze instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought glaze or icing can be used in place of the homemade glaze.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls but wants a quicker, easier alternative. With a fluffy cake, gooey cinnamon swirl, and a sweet glaze, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for brunch or as an after-dinner treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.